Volunteers and Respite
Foster families could not do what they do without volunteers supporting them in this journey that is truly a community effort. As a FaithBridge church partner, your volunteers are key to your foster care ministry. They are the ones supporting and helping care for families on a regular basis.
There are several essential roles within the FaithBridge Community of CareĀ® model that support and help care for foster families. The requirements and training vary depending on the role.
Volunteer Roles
- Babysitters provide basic childcare for things such as date nights, appointments, foster parent training and other short-term needs.
- Drivers help with periodic transportation needs for foster children. These volunteers provide back-up support for appointments, including but not limited to medical, dental, counseling and family visitation, when the foster or respite family is unable to provide transportation. Transportation is typically scheduled a week or more in advance; however, there may be needs for same-day support.
- Clothing, Meals and Supplies support team volunteers coordinate the location and delivery of stuff that foster and respite families need to care for children, such as baby supplies, clothes and furniture, especially when new children enter the home on short notice.
- Tutors and Mentors provide one-on-one tutoring and mentoring. Tutoring is focused on academics, and a mentor pours into the life of a child who could use help to guide them as they grow and learn.
Respite families
Respite families are licensed families that provide as-needed overnight care for foster children to give the foster family relief. FaithBridge respite homes are matched to foster homes based on geography and capacity.